11 Jul 2016 11:54:46
Isn't it amazing how some of our so called in the know supporters can alter their opinion about our players in the blink of an eye . About a week ago there were loads of posts about how rubbish Cedric was and that Jose was at the end of his career and we desperately need a replacement . After last night's heroic performance by them both these same posters are saying how brilliant they both are and aren't we lucky to have them! Very odd . I have a feeling that Jose Fonte being a true and honest professional would say if asked that the reason he was in the Euro finals was because he played at SFC and without our success ( and obviously because he was in a way some of the reason for it ) that it would have never happened . Our great football club is moving from strength to strength, why do the doom mongers keep trying to tell us we are nothing more than a selling club and lining the pockets of Katarina . Just be grateful she didn't just walk away when Cortese was spending her money like crazy and putting us in debt . She had no reason to stay apart from staying loyal to her father's dream . She did stay and look at where we are today, she needs our total support and appreciation . Those of you that are disrespectful to her and the board should be ashamed of yourselves. Grow up .

1.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 12:05:24
I completely agree, nice post, Chris!

However, regarding Fonte, it would be wise to look for his successor within the next few transfer windows because realistically he won't be able to sustain this level of performance for many more seasons.
As for Cédric, I feel that he will settle in more this season, as did Tadic in his second season here and so there is nothing to worry about.

Stay positive, Saints fans!

2.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 12:37:48
Well said Chris. I rated cedric but think he and koeman must have fallen out at some point. Another full back to compete with him and replace martina wouldn't be a bad thing, and agree with EC in saying another cb to bed in and replace fonte long term which means we could let yoshida go.

3.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 13:15:52
I don't think people mean that he is going down hill I think the thing people are pointing out with fonte is, yeah he is a great player for the club and still getting better but the thing is nobody really knows when a player is going to start going down hill. I can happen at any age and anytime. People are also worried Gardos isn't good enough cover and we all know yoshida is defiantly not. So what I really think and IMHO I think fonte is still a great player with tons of passion for club and country do see him going down hill ATM no but it'd be good for the club to get someone who is good enough to challenge him and push for a starting spot not only will that make fonte work harder and maybe get even better performances it means we have good cover if he gets injured or if his form does take a dip. I think people are jumping the gun abit. But still have to ask the question at age 32 how long does he have at the top? Some can stay for years others can't.

4.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 13:21:05
I agree EC but the way things were posted were that he was just about finished . He will be still at the top of his game if not better ( after winning the Euros ) all this season and probably the next. Getting a younger player in makes sense but just maybe Gardos is a better player than people make out as he didn't get a lot of game time before his pretty serious injury . I remember Claus Lundekvam became a better player towards the end of his career especially with reading the game . The speed of VVD and the rock solid defending of Jose makes them just about the best CB pairing in the PL . Very similar situation to when we had Claus and Michael Svenson.

5.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 14:23:24
Thank god we have people like chrisdownj on board. To the doom and gloom merchants I say get a life. Yes we lost good players over the last few years but remember the board and the manager wanted them to stay. Sheer greed was the main reason especially that rat/ snake Koeman. But hey look where we are now - still in the top half of the table and have finished 7th then 6th over the last 2 seasons. We are in Euro again and where are Liverhampton (our friendly bank) and Everton? A new manager in who has faith in youngsters who I predict will guide us with a high finish again. Be positive not negative and look forward to the season ahead . Fonte and Soares have proved that you don't have to spend ludacrous amounts of money like so many other clubs do. The future looks good, enjoy and back the club. COYR's.

6.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 15:56:00
I can only say I think the "doom" mongers as you put it are people who are frustrated born out of lack of knowledge. If they were to accept who we are and what we do they would be as chuffed as with our rise and results. I personally have accepted who we are and we are a club being run proficiently and efficiently, with great effect, and I'm happy, long may it continue. The only doom mongering I've seen are people concerned that one day the black box will break down and that we may rue selling the stars we had. I wonder what the outlook of the chirpy would be if our manager doesn't work out, new players don't bed in and/ or the academy players did struggle. not doom mongering or having a dig like some seem intent on on here just merely asking the question.

7.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 12:46:10
The reason people say we are a selling club is because we are. The reason people think that Katarina is lining her pockets is because the debt of 48 million whilst interest free does not seem to be dwindling at all. Hence the pocket lining. Nobody denies the club is being run well as a business, but football deals in emotions so that skews everything.

If fans want to complain then who are we to deny them that right? So you want to be a positive good sheep who follows true and straight, fair play to you, i commend you. However constantly selling 3 to five players each season runs an inherent risk of one day failing.

The season it does fail, the house could come tumbling down. I congratulate the board for what they do, but please please allow people a different point of view to your own.

8.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 17:20:59
At a conservative estimate I would say that over 90% of football clubs could be classified as selling clubs. It's the nature of the beast I'm afraid. When people realise that saints are not one of the top elite clubs whose name alone attracts the best players the better it will be. As for being one of the sheep as saintjonah has declared - being Welsh was that an intended pun. I presume that Jonah understands the meaning of the word pun. Good attempt mate. As I have constantly stated - we have an excellent set of professional people running this club and myself and many many people (inside and outside) look on in envy LastlyI have always appreciated any persons point of view including yours. Have faith and look forward to the new season. We march on.

9.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 18:34:26
ditto to other posters about having an equal say, whilst not being persecuted for doing so, are we not ALL Saints fans?
Yes, then let's stop the petty comments and underhand criticism when others do have a differing opinion.

I agree with both sides of the argument, although I think it's better to have realistic optimism (Seligman) than blind optimism

I just wondered what club have sold more or equal players than us in the EPL in the last 3 season (and have retained their EPL status)? Eds?

10.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 19:17:15
In life everyone has the right to their opinion. What I don't want to see is anybody getting ridiculed for their observations. Can we all have discussions without fear of being slated. Debate don't argue. Totally agree with WillsaSaint about us being true Saints. Anyway just an observation on the last 3 seasons outgoings. Apart from Cork to Swansea (no disrespect) but virtually all have gone to either Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal or Tottenham. Not exactly Accrington Stanley teams are they. We should take stock from this and remember these went to teams that pay ridiculous wages . Wouldn't you be off like a shot if you were in their place? One thing matters keep behind the team and feel proud of how far we have come. COYR's.

11.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 19:36:08
Well said Saintjonah.

12.) 11 Jul 2016
11 Jul 2016 23:44:52
Just be true and loyal SFC supporters, we need all of you to move forward . If you are right and things go pear shaped in a couple of months have your say about that at about Christmas time. Until then give the boys your backing I think they will prove the doubters wrong.

13.) 12 Jul 2016
12 Jul 2016 12:19:37
SaintJonah. Football emotions go as far as fans that is about it. As far as the board and owners are concerned, this is business! Plain and simple, you know what if Katrina wants to line her pockets then let her it shows the business is doing well. The boards job at the moment is to prove we are sustainable, the longer we hold a high premier league place the more likely we are to make the next step to the top four!

we don't know the stipulations of the £45million debt, what the repayment agreement was etc. All we apparently know is it is interest free, it could hold a specific trigger point in turn over that when the club hits a certain threshold then repayments will begin. But even then Katrina will have her repayments and continue to take a dividend! that's how SHE will make money, and at the end of the day that is what business is about making money!